Overview
Prepare for a journey filled with Fun, Excitement, and Thrilling sights as we head to the spectacular 2026 Lake George Balloon Festival! This Value Packed 3-day getaway with Best of Times Travel is the ultimate way to witness Hot Air Balloons in every imaginable shape and color as they paint the sky over the Adirondacks.
A Sky Full of Magic - There is nothing quite like the awe-inspiring moment when dozens of balloons begin to inflate and lift off simultaneously. Our Senior Friendly itinerary is perfectly timed so you don’t miss a beat. Staying at the comfortable LaQuinta Inn & Suites, located just minutes from the festival grounds, we provide multiple opportunities to catch the action. Whether you are an early riser eager for the morning lift-offs or prefer the glowing beauty of the Saturday evening launch, the choice is yours!
Art, Elegance, and the Open Water - The excitement begins before we even reach the lake! Our first stop is the world-renowned Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. You’ll marvel at the world’s largest collection of original Rockwell art, including the iconic Four Freedoms. Afterward, enjoy a charming stroll and lunch on your own in historic downtown Stockbridge.
To cap off a perfect day, we’ll take to the water for a Lake George Dinner Cruise aboard the elegant Lac Du Sacrement. Savor a delicious meal and live on-board entertainment while drifting past the majestic mountain scenery that makes this region famous.
Explore at Your Own Pace - We believe the best trips offer a mix of planned highlights and personal discovery. You’ll enjoy plenty of Free Time in Lake George to explore the vibrant downtown area, browse the numerous premium outlet shops, or enjoy the festival’s many craft vendors and live music. This is a “no-pressure” program designed for your relaxation and enjoyment.
A Professionally Escorted Experience - When you travel with Best of Times Travel, you can leave the logistics to us. Your trip is Professionally Escorted by a dedicated Tour Manager who ensures every detail is seamless, from motorcoach transportation to hotel check-in.
For a sample of the Balloon Festival Click Here.
Highlights:
Your Tour Includes:
Roundtrip Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation
2 Nights Comfortable Lodging in the Lake George Area
3 Meals: 2 Delicious Breakfasts* and a memorable Dinner Cruise on Lake George
Entry to the Lake George Balloon Festival with multiple opportunities to witness the balloon launches
Tour of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, featuring the world's largest collection of original Rockwell art.
Visit to the NY State Museum in Albany, NY, exploring the rich history and natural wonders of New York State.
Services of an Experienced Best of Times Travel Tour Manager to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
All Taxes and Best of Times Travel Tour Manager Gratuities are Included.
• Optional Travelers Insurance by Chubb is offered - Click Here for Details on Chubb Travel Insurance Program
Pricing is for a Single Group Pick-Up. Non-Group Bookings will be required to travel to the nearest Best of Times or Group Set Pick-Up Location. Best of Times Travel will notify you of the closest departure point to where you live approximately 3 weeks prior to the trip departure date.
*Breakfast at the hotel is based upon normal hotel breakfast hours and may not be available prior to our departure for morning lift off events at the festival. Guests opting for morning lift off viewing may have to purchase breakfast at the festival on their own.
**Please note Best of Times Travel is not responsible for weather, traffic conditions, or other events beyond our control that may adjust the time-line or overall events of the fair as it is an outdoor event. All ballooning activities are weather dependent. Ballooning is a fair weather sport. Balloons will not fly in the rain. Winds must also be light in order for balloons to safely launch. Ideal conditions are for wind speeds to be 3-5 MPH. As wind speeds increase beyond 8-10 it is unlikely balloons will be able to fly. Information on launch status will be determined via a pilots briefing shortly before estimated launch times. Best of Times Travel will make provisions to visit the Saratoga Casino in the off-chance circumstance that the festival does not operate on Saturday as scheduled**
Neither Best of Times Travel or The Festival schedules or books balloon rides. If you refer to the “ Participating Pilots” section of the festival website, WHEN AVAILABLE (typically late in the summer), You will find details including photographs of participating pilots and their balloons. Any balloon rides should be scheduled for Saturday September 19th ONLY.
https://www.adirondackballoonfest.org
Here are the Specific Terms & Conditions of Sale For this program.
Rates and itineraries shown here were in effect at the time of printing and no changes are anticipated; however, Best of Times Travel reserves the right to withdraw any tour or to make any rate changes, as necessary. Prices are subject to change. A deposit is always required to confirm a reservation. A Deposit of $250pp, plus insurance premium (if selected) is due upon registration to confirm your reservation. Travel Insurance: We recommend your purchase of optional travel insurance. This optional travel insurance is per person and the premium is based on the overall trip cost. Travelers MUST purchase the plan at the time of initial deposit. Coverage will not be in place unless your full Deposit is received. Cancellation schedule and fees are in place regardless of cancellation reason (including, but not limited to, force majeure, health pandemics or government restrictions). Travel Insurance Premium is also Non-Refundable regardless of cancellation reason. Payment in full must be received by July 10th, 2026 or this may result in an automatic cancellation. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Best of Times Travel via traditional mail or emailed to cancellations@bestoftimestravel.com. The date of cancellation is deemed to be the date received by Best of Times Travel. Cancellation Charges for this programs are as follows: Cancellations from date of booking until 7/10/26 have no cancellation fee. Cancellations from 7/11/26 until 8/1/26 will be assessed a cancellation fee of 75% of the total fare. Cancellations after 8/1/26 will receive no refund, 100% of total fare. Best of Times Travel is not responsible for any refunds over and above said amount. Best of Times Travel reserves the right to issue any refunds, in whole or in part, in the form of future travel credit.
*Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver has the following stipulations: plan must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment, insured must be medically able to travel at time of purchasing the plan, all pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs need to be insured. This information is a brief description of the features of this insurance program. Coverage & pricing may vary by state. The provision of this document is for informational purposes only and is not an insurance contract. Coverage is being marketed by Chubb Insurance Solutions Agency, Inc. located at 202 Halls Mills Road, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889. Insurance benefits are underwritten by ACE Property & Casualty Insurance Company located at 436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.
The following locations are currently scheduled for this program, but are subject to change.
Methuen, MA
Tewksbury, MA
Millbury, MA
At Your Time of Booking Please let us know which location you would like to use to board the motorcoach.
All Items Listed in What's Included Above
Your Bus Driver Gratuity and Step On Guide Gratuities are NOT included in your package price. Our suggested gratuity amount is $20 - $25 per person for the entire program.
